The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the biggest arts festival in the world, with over 3,000 shows. This year, Playbill will be going to Edinburgh in August for the festival and we’re taking you with us. Follow along this summer as we cover every single aspect of the Fringe, aka our real-life Brigadoon!
So many shows, only so much time to see them. How do you pick what's a must-see at Edinburgh Fringe. Well, one way is to start with some recommendations, and Playbill is collecting this year's most anticipated shows for newcomers and veterans alike. Rounding up the most anticipated shows by venue, Playbill's guides highlight the major venues not to miss at Fringe as you plan out your experience of the world's largest arts festival.
Underbelly is a theatre producer that produces shows in London and Edinburgh (they are one of the lead producers of the Cabaret revival with Eddie Redmayne, which is transferring to the Broadway next year). They have a permanent venue in the Soho neighborhood in London called Underbelly Boulevard. They are also one of the biggest producers at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, producing over 100 shows annually across four venues in Edinburgh's city center: George Square, Circus Hub, Cowgate, and Bristo Square.
For this article, we are listing 10 shows that we're looking forward to at George Square. During the rest of the year, George Square is a quiet place of study that is in the center of the University of Edinburgh. During the Fringe, Underbelly erects its the Fringe's most eye-catching venue: a giant purple cow lying on its back (called the Udderbelly). Big and purple with googly eyes, it's a venue that's just calling to be Instagrammed.
In 2022, Underbelly also opened up dining options outside of the Udderbelly. Around the cow are now food stalls and outdoor bars, so theatregoers can grab a quick bite or a pint before they head into the belly of the cow for their show. This outdoor dining area is called the Wee Coo and this year, Underbelly has booked artists to perform in the small outdoor stage—some of those shows are included in this round-up.
10 Shows to Grab an Edinburgh Festival Fringe Ticket for at Pleasance at EICC
Check out the 10 shows below—consider it a charcuterie platter of what Underbelly is serving up this year at the Fringe.
Abandoman: Future Fest
In 60 minutes, Abandoman (the alter-ego of Irish freestyle rapper and comedian, Rob Broderick) crafts a futuristic musical experience based on audience suggestions. Abandoman has sold out shows in Edinburgh and London, and this newest iteration promises to take audience to the future. Abandoman: Future Fest runs Aug 2-20.
Amazing Bubble Man
Louis Pearl has been an Edinburgh Fringe favorite for the last 14 years. He explores explores the breathtaking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry with audience participation and enough spellbinding bubble tricks to keep everyone mesmerised. Expect bubbles in unusual shapes from squares to rockets. Amazing Bubble Man runs Aug 2-28.
Choir! Choir! Choir!
If you sign up for this show, get ready to do some singing. Choir! Choir! Choir! was founded in 2011 in Toronto by Daveed Goldman and Nobu Adilman (AKA “DaBu”), as a weekly ad-hoc choir. In this show, the audience is the choir—the choir directors will teach everyone their parts and everyone will sing some well-known songs in surprisingly good harmony. It's part singing, part comedy, part community-building exercise. Choir! Choir! Choir! runs Aug 4-27.
Edinburgh Comedy Allstars
A lot of comedians come to the Fringe. We mean, a lot. Like over 1,300 this year alone. This Underbelly show presents the biggest, brightest comedians at the Edinburgh Fringe all in one huge show. This evening regularly sells out. Previous performers include Joanne McNally, John Bishop, Olga Koch, Ahir Shah, Suzi Ruffell, Jason Byrne, Joel Dommett, Nina Conti, Phil Wang, Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Fern Brady, and David O'Doherty. Edinburgh Comedy Allstars runs August 4-26.
Escalate
This show is from the Throw Catch Collective, who are billed as Australia’s best jugglers. They blend rhythm and movement with juggling, and have astounded audiences in Las Vegas and around the world. Escalate runs August 2–28.
Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder
BFFs Kathy and Stella love true crime podcasts. When their favourite author is killed, they are inspired to solve the case, and record themselves doing it. This sold-out hit from the 2022 Edinburgh Fringe returns in a newly expanded version. This highly anticipated show is being brought back to Fringe by the Olivier winners behind Fleabag—pointing to a potential future for the show outside of the United Kingdom after it plays Bristol and Manchester this fall. Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder runs August 2–27.
Mario the Maker Magician
This family show includes magic tricks, handmade robots, and modern slapstick. It is also interactive, and will be sure to wow the younger ones in your life. Mario has been seen on Sesame Street, Universal Kids, and live on tour with David Blaine, who calls him "the best kids' magician in the world!!" Mario the Maker Magician runs August 2–27.
The Alphabet of Awesome Science
This children's show blends comedy with science and technology as Professors Lexi Con and Noel Edge travel through the alphabet—where fascinating words inspire spectacular science! This show promises to be equal parts educational, entertaining, and chaotic. The Alphabet of Awesome Science runs August 2–28.
The Brilliance of Broken Glass
Presented at the Wee Coo, this hour-long comedy set by Brooke talks about navigating life after a major medical crisis and with only a guide dog as a companion. The show explores how to lose and find yourself, navigate growth and loss, survive health “care” systems, and heal in a world that’s maybe trying to kill you. The Brilliance of Broken Glass runs August 2–28.
Best Man
Running at the Wee Coo, Best Man follows 30-year-old Cathal, whose best man speech at his best friend's wedding goes completely off the rails. The audience are the wedding guests watching him have a breakdown. Best Man is written by Mikey Fleming and Colman Hayes, directed by Fleming, and performed by Hayes. It runs August 2–28.
Want to check out some more recommendations? Check out Playbill Goes Fringe to keep up with our coverage before, during, and after the festival! For more information about Underbelly's programming, check out the Fringe App.
